The role of a small teaching reactor in education and training
- Worcester Polytechnic Inst., MA (United States)
It cannot be simply concluded that because an undergraduate nuclear engineering program has access to a higher power research reactor that the number of BS graduates will be proportionately larger than a program whose reactor operates at a much lower power level. What can be concluded is that although smaller in size and capability, low-power research reactors and the nuclear engineering programs they serve provide an important role in producing much-needed nuclear engineers and scientists at the undergraduate level. Designed and built by General Electric primarily as a teaching tool for nuclear engineering education, the nuclear reactor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) first began operation in 1959. The reactor power level was upgraded from 1 to 10 kW in 1969, and its 20-yr operating license was renewed in 1983. With the support of DOE funds, the reactor was converted to low-enriched fuel in 1988. Under partial funding from the DOE University Reactor Instrumentation Program, the reactor control console will soon be replaced. Since a small research reactor is an ideal tool for providing basic and intermediate nuclear training, the incorporation of nuclear subjects into traditional disciplines will consequently enhance reactor facility usage. With its continued modernization, the WPI nuclear reactor facility will play a key role in meeting nuclear manpower needs while providing excellent and rewarding career opportunities for students in all disciplines for many years to come.
- OSTI ID:
- 6965299
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-920606--
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (United States), Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (United States) Vol. 65; ISSN TANSA; ISSN 0003-018X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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220600* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Research
Test & Experimental Reactors
ACTINIDES
ANIMALS
BASIC INTERACTIONS
COMPTON EFFECT
COMPUTERS
DIGITAL COMPUTERS
EDUCATION
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
ELASTIC SCATTERING
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERACTIONS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ELEMENTS
ENGINEERING
ENRICHED URANIUM
ENRICHED URANIUM REACTORS
EQUIPMENT
GE SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
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METALS
MICROCOMPUTERS
MODIFICATIONS
MULTI-CHANNEL ANALYZERS
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RADIATION DETECTORS
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REACTOR CORES
REACTOR EXPERIMENTAL FACILITIES
REACTOR INSTRUMENTATION
REACTOR OPERATORS
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RESEARCH AND TEST REACTORS
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SLIGHTLY ENRICHED URANIUM
SOLID SCINTILLATION DETECTORS
THERMAL REACTORS
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US DOE
US NRC
US ORGANIZATIONS
VERTEBRATES
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
WPIR REACTOR